The Power of Healthy Competition: Pushing Limits and Raising Standards

Competition is one of those forces in life that has the power to bring out the very best in people—and sometimes the worst. Recently, I witnessed this truth firsthand with my daughter. She tried out for two highly competitive volleyball teams, and as proud as we were that she made both teams, the real challenge came with deciding which team to join. We chose the team that would push her the hardest, the one with the toughest competition.

Instead of her being the star player or one of the best on the team, we felt it was better for her to be one of the less experienced players surrounded by stronger teammates. Why? Because there’s something about being challenged by people who are better than you that pushes you to grow. It’s like the space race between the United States and Russia—rivalry that pushed technology and ambition to new heights, culminating in the moon landing. Healthy competition can be a powerful motivator.

This idea isn’t just something we felt—it’s echoed by some of the greatest athletes. Serena Williams, for example, has spoken about her constant desire to compete against the best, knowing that playing against top-tier opponents is what drives her to improve her game. I’ve felt this too—when I played golf with my cousin and a friend who were better players than I was, their skill pushed me to improve. It wasn’t about winning every round; it was about meeting a higher challenge and growing in the process.

In the workplace, the concept of healthy competition plays out similarly. At our organization, we track different performance metrics, and I believe these numbers create a healthy competitive environment. This isn’t about cutthroat rivalry or stepping on others to get ahead. Instead, it sets a higher bar, motivating everyone to raise their own standards and push themselves further. When done right, competition becomes a tool that elevates the entire team and stimulates innovation.

Science backs this up. Research shows that competition increases effort, creativity, and adaptability. When individuals or teams face competition, it drives them to think harder, work smarter, and strive for excellence. Innovation often comes from the pressure to stay ahead, to differentiate, and to solve problems in new ways. This is true in business, sports, and even in personal development.

But competition isn’t without its potential pitfalls. If it becomes too intense or toxic, it can lead to unhealthy stress, burnout, or conflict. The key to harnessing competition’s power lies in balance—fostering a culture where competition motivates growth, learning, and collaboration rather than envy or animosity.

Looking at my daughter’s journey, I see this balance in action. By choosing the team that challenged her the most, she has embraced an environment that will push her limits and help her improve. Healthy competition is less about being the best today and more about striving to be your best self tomorrow.

In the end, competition brings out something essential in us all—the drive to improve, to innovate, and to achieve at a higher level. Whether it’s on the volleyball court, in the workplace, or in the wider world, competition, when approached with the right mindset, is truly a catalyst for growth and excellence.